Austin Metblogs » aus_sherry http://austin.metblogs.com Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:25:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 en Just Back From the Convention Center http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/09/09/just-back-from-the-convention-center/ http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/09/09/just-back-from-the-convention-center/#comments Fri, 09 Sep 2005 23:42:44 +0000 aus_sherry http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/09/09/just-back-from-the-convention-center/ For those who have not volunteered at the Convention Center here is the story:

It is very easy to volunteer. All you need to do is go to the volunteer office located at 201 2nd Street (2nd and San Jacinto across from PF Changs) the hours are 7am-12am. Free parking is in the same building. The entrance is on the San Jacinto side. There are signs the whole way. You need to sign in at the office and you will be given an orange wrist band. Next you can enter the Convention Center through the volunteer entrance.

Once you enter there are info desks in the front. Once inside you are free to choose any task for any amount of time. You can walk around anywhere you want to go. If you go to the right you can help kids play computer games or adults with various computer questions. If you go to the left you can sort HUGE piles of clothes or help find sizes for people in need. The experience is a bit overwhelming. There are hundreds of beds in two huge areas. The men are happy to get any style of clothing. The women are interested in newer clothes. Everyone needs larger sizes. The items that they were very low on were: men’s pants sizes 32, 36, 38–newer is better. Men’s undershirts and coats–it was a bit chilly in the Center. Women’s larger size bras. New adult tennis shoes and socks. Nicer/new L & XL women’s and men’s cotten t-shirts. Also a little girl asked for PJ’s for her Mom and there was only one pair left. I assume it is very cold at night. As people asked for items I really had to struggle to find the items they needed but there were very happy to get anything. Two women did get into a bit of a fight over some colorful new plain cotton shirts I located. The Center also has a need for child care and activities for the kids. They also have a small library with books and magazines from the Austin Public Library.

I have heard from some folks that they do not need anymore volunteers. This is not true. They will need a lot of volunteers for a long time. I’m not sure where you can donate the items that they are very low on but somehow those items really need to get to the Center–fast. I plan to try and hand carry some of those items into the building tomorrow.

One more thing–it would really help the volunteers if you sort your donated clothes by men’s and women’s sizes and styles. We sort by long and short shirts, shorts, shoes, underware, socks, babies, boy’s and girl’s clothes.

Evening News Update: I did hear that they have many more volunteers on the weekend and really need more help M-F. I would suggest going early on Sat & Sun. The news said that they need items to help people move into their new homes– such as kitchen items, paper products, and diapers.

]]> http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/09/09/just-back-from-the-convention-center/feed/ Martha Stewart Release Party http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/02/16/martha-stewart-release-party/ http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/02/16/martha-stewart-release-party/#comments Wed, 16 Feb 2005 17:21:46 +0000 aus_sherry http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/02/16/martha-stewart-release-party/ Martha Stewart Release Party - March 6, 12-4 p.m.

Celebrate a return to civilized crafting and Martha’s release!

Prove how crafty you are in a series of competitions, including HER-b

identification, cookie decorating and the mother of all craft obstacle

courses, where competitors will be judged on skill, speed, and of course,

style!

For more information, visit the web site www.theworkshopaustin.com

]]> http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/02/16/martha-stewart-release-party/feed/ Community Emergency Response Training http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/02/15/community-emergency-response-training/ http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/02/15/community-emergency-response-training/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2005 20:27:38 +0000 aus_sherry http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/02/15/community-emergency-response-training/ Hi Folks–

This week I will complete my CERT training. This is a great free program offered by the City of Austin. I have learned, fire safety, first aid, trauma psychology, weather spotting, medical operations, and search and rescue. Once the course is completed you can assist the Police, Fire, EMS and other needs of the City of Austin. I also got to view the 911 dispatch room. Advance classes include SkyFlight assistance, advance weather spotting, HAM radio operations, navigation, advance search and rescue, EMS training, CPR training, red cross training, and participation in airport emergency drills. A background check is required to receive your CERT badge.

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT)

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is an emergency preparedness program supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA began promoting nationwide use of the CERT concept in 1994 based on a model created and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985. Following a series of earthquakes in the United States and Mexico that left hundreds dead, injured and without emergency services, the LAFD recognized that well-trained civilian emergency work force teams are vital for disaster situations when the scope of incidents overwhelm conventional emergency services.

Spanish DRA/CERT training starts on Wednesday Feb 23rd!

English DRA/CERT training starts April 25th

To apply for the Spanish or English classes contact Amber.King@ci.austin.tx.us

OEM website at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/oem/cert.htm

]]> http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/02/15/community-emergency-response-training/feed/ Skywarn & StarFlight Class http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/02/10/skywarn-starflight-class/ http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/02/10/skywarn-starflight-class/#comments Thu, 10 Feb 2005 18:01:36 +0000 aus_sherry http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/02/10/skywarn-starflight-class/ 15th Annual Lou Withrow SKYWARN Austin / South Central Texas Severe Weather

Spotter Training Session

February 26th, 9:00 am to 4:15 pm

UT Pickle Research Campus - North Austin

Complete details and map at:

http://www.utexas.edu/depts/grg/kimmel/SKYWARN2005.html

Landing Zones

*****************

7th Annual STARFlight Landing Zone class - Learn helicopter landing zone

safety and more for free!

Feb 12th - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Shoreline Christian Center, FM 1325 @

Shoreline.

Attendees may pre-register on-line at

http://www.geocities.com/msetforms/classreg.html

The program flyer and map is at

http://www.main.org/msettx/files/LZflyer05.pdf

]]> http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/02/10/skywarn-starflight-class/feed/ To Tell the Truth/Queer-Eye Talent Search http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/01/14/to-tell-the-truthqueer-eye-talent-search/ http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/01/14/to-tell-the-truthqueer-eye-talent-search/#comments Fri, 14 Jan 2005 18:59:39 +0000 aus_sherry http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/01/14/to-tell-the-truthqueer-eye-talent-search/ GAME SHOW TALENT SEARCH

Having won multiple Emmy and Cable Ace Awards, for shows like Sally Jessy Raphael, The Jerry Springer Show, The New Tom Green Show, and Crook & Chase, producer Burt Dubrow will be on Outspoken tonight at 6pm on 91.7FM-KOOP to talk about his latest game show project for which he is conducting a nationwide search right now! He is currently developing a game show similar to the 50’s and 60’s show ‘To Tell The Truth,’ however this time out, the B-List celebrity panel will be replaced with a “Queer-Eye”-style cast of personalities.

The production company is currently seeking a cross-mix of colorful male characters with BIG personalities: hip, smart and clever between the ages of 25-35. If this is you. then you need to apply by January 28th!!! (The Trans community is welcome)

What you need to submit:

a.. 3 min VHS video telling us who you are & why America wants to watch you.

b.. 2 pictures (face shot & full body)

c.. Application

d.. Release form

Send to:

Get Real Entertainment

Casting Dept

150 E. Olive Ave #305

Burbank, CA 91502

For more info: www.BurtDubrowProductions.com / getrealtalent@yahoo.com

]]> http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/01/14/to-tell-the-truthqueer-eye-talent-search/feed/ El Chile Cafe y Cantina http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/01/14/el-chile-cafe-y-cantina/ http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/01/14/el-chile-cafe-y-cantina/#comments Fri, 14 Jan 2005 18:05:50 +0000 aus_sherry http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/01/14/el-chile-cafe-y-cantina/ It is always a treat to find another wonderful interior mexican restaurant in town–El Chile is the place to be. The chefs are former sous chefs at Jeffrey’s. If you are a vegetarian then El Chile will soon become you new favorite spot. I started my meal with their signature drink– Chilango Margarita which is a spicy orange infused frozen margarita. The flavors of this drink burst in your month and you soon stop your waiter knowing you will need another. I ordered the Enchiladas de Camaron, which are covered in a smokey chipotle sauce and topped with a serrano-cilantro cream. These were melt-in-your-mouth treats. I plan to visit again soon to try the mole sauce which is creating a cult of El Chile followers. It’s located at 1809 Manor Rd.

]]> http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/01/14/el-chile-cafe-y-cantina/feed/ Blue Panels on Lamar Underpass http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/01/14/blue-panels-on-lamar-underpass/ http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/01/14/blue-panels-on-lamar-underpass/#comments Fri, 14 Jan 2005 17:32:49 +0000 aus_sherry http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/01/14/blue-panels-on-lamar-underpass/ There is a lively discussion on HerDomain about those crazy blue panels on Lamar. Here is a summary of the postings:

It was an art project approved by the Austin Art in Public Places (AIPP) committee. The art is called “Moments” created by artist Carl Trominski and cost $45,000 using hotel/bed tax money from the city. This was not the artist’s original concept. The Railroad Commission was supposed to provide electricity for blue lighting under the bridge and the walls were to be painted blue and green but time and money ran out. The concept for the project was to seem like you were going under water when you drove under the bridge. The artist was not pleased with the results and the art will be on exhibit for eight years. Most folks thought the panels were “solar panels.” I have yet to find one person who likes this public art. Please comment if you like it or write the city about why $45,000 of our tax money went to this project.

In contrast, the “Fair Sailing Tall Boy” mural painted in the middle of the under-pass was created by Mary Boyd whose 17 year-old son Ivan was killed at that intersection by a drunk driver. She was arrested when she first put up the mural but her case was “lost” in the court system. At one point a city contractor painted over the mural by mistake but she soon put the mural back up. She also planted wildflowers in the cracks of the sidewalk.

]]> http://austin.metblogs.com/2005/01/14/blue-panels-on-lamar-underpass/feed/ A Boobah Enters My Life http://austin.metblogs.com/2004/12/28/a-boobah-enters-my-life/ http://austin.metblogs.com/2004/12/28/a-boobah-enters-my-life/#comments Tue, 28 Dec 2004 19:27:47 +0000 aus_sherry http://austin.metblogs.com/2004/12/28/a-boobah-enters-my-life/ Jingbah

On the The Ellen DeGeneres Show last week she showed a Dancing Boobah. When she squeezed its hand to make it dance, instead of dancing and playing music—it farted. Caught off-guard Ellen nearly fell out of her chair laughing and said “It did not do that in rehearsal.” TiVo was rewound about 20 time to watch the Boobah fart and see Ellen’s reaction.

So… guess what I got for the holidays—that’s correct—my own pink Dancing Boobah named Jingbah that does indeed–fart. The toy is for 2 years and up–the up would be me. It also plays 11 different songs and dances. I have come to love the reggae dance with a fart in the middle of the song. Intrigued I watched the actual Boobah show on PBS to find out what our 2-year-olds are learning. I was a little freaked out but at the same time I could not stop watching the bright colors and feeling very hypnotized. The Boobah’s did not fart on the TV show nor on the Boobah Zone website but they do fart on the PBS site…enjoy.

]]> http://austin.metblogs.com/2004/12/28/a-boobah-enters-my-life/feed/ My Austin Reference List http://austin.metblogs.com/2004/12/28/my-austin-reference-list/ http://austin.metblogs.com/2004/12/28/my-austin-reference-list/#comments Tue, 28 Dec 2004 18:35:34 +0000 aus_sherry http://austin.metblogs.com/2004/12/28/my-austin-reference-list/ Local Info

Google Austin

Craig’s List Austin

Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau

News & Blogs

Austin Independent Media Center

Weblogsky–Jon Lebkowsky’s blog

Austin Bloggers

Buddha_is

David Nunez’s Blog

Danger Chicks–a blog of questions & answers

Cicada: something wicked this way hums

Rantomat League of Luddites

On UT Campus Today

Texas Triangle–Gay & lesbian news

Austin Film Casting News

Austin American-Statesman–General city news

Austin Business Journal–Business news

The Austin Chronicle–Music, film, art, local and political news

The Daily Texan- UT news

Education

Austin Public Library

The University of Texas at Austin

Informal Classes

ACC Continuing Education

Activities

Austin Wireless Hotspots

Austin Explorer–Get Outside

RunTex Running Events

Central Market Cooking Classes

Alamo Draft House–the best movie theater in Austin

Austin Film Society

Austin Film Festival–with a focus on screenwriting

Performing Arts Center

Zach Scott Theater

AusTix–cheap theater, music & dance tickets

Capitol Macintosh Group

World Dance & Music with Zein

Austin Hash House Harriers–Old English game involving beer and running

Motorblade Postering–Fritz teaches inline skating & is the one who delivers posters around town.

Austin Club Skirt--Yahoo list for Lesbian women in Austin

Austin Freecycle–Yahoo list for giving and receiving free stuff

Shambhala Meditation Center

Jobs & Networking

Employers in Austin

Freelance Austin

Job List

Jobs at UT

Craig’s List Job Listings

Her Domain Austin–This is THE list to join for women in tech

Women in Communications

Austin Advertising Federation–just ad people

Austin Entrepreneurs Foundation

Capitol Crowd–Political registry for participants of Texas government

FYI Austin–Austin’s International newsletter

Austin XL–Tech newsletter & high tech happy hours

Shopping & Eating

Waterloo Records Top 50 Austin CD’s of the week

Soup Peddler–Warm goodness delivered to your door via his bike

Dining Out with Rob Balon

]]> http://austin.metblogs.com/2004/12/28/my-austin-reference-list/feed/ Holidays in Austin http://austin.metblogs.com/2004/12/14/holidays-in-austin/ http://austin.metblogs.com/2004/12/14/holidays-in-austin/#comments Tue, 14 Dec 2004 16:10:07 +0000 aus_sherry http://austin.metblogs.com/2004/12/14/holidays-in-austin/ Congressdec2002 Dscn5246 Dscn5256

The Austin American-Statesman has posted some nice photos and video of Austin holiday activities.

Video: 37th Street Lights

Video: Taking a spin under the Zilker Tree

Photos: Trail of Lights

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